Lessons From a Dog

More often than not, we wonder just what our dog is thinking and wish that she could speak English. We can get a pretty good idea of how she feels by her body language - tail wagging or tucked under as far as it will go, happy shiba screaming vs. growling, ears up or pressed against her head, etc, etc.

A couple days ago, I came across a blog post on pinterest (I know...I am becoming one of those people that refers everything back to pinterest and I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that). I loved it. And, while I didn't repin it (I don't have any interest in pinning quotes or stories - although, obviously, I don't mind when others do), but I did email a copy of the link to Hunter because I just loved it.

In quick summation, the post was written by a vet who was attending to a sick dog who needed to be euthenized and it's owners - mom, dad, and a 6 year old son. The son made the profound statement of, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long." Well put. The author then goes on to give a list of things that we could learn if dogs were our teachers. Here it is:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

I literally was laughing out loud as I was reading the list because it is so true! Our dog regularly takes part in all of the above. How much more simple and happy would life be if we took some of that advice? Obviously, some of that is for humor's sake and only applies to a dog, but if we were to apply the gist of it to our own lives I think it would make us in general, happier people.

Here's to not letting the little things get you down and trying to live life to it's fullest - and happiest - potential.